Welcome to Irish Ancestors, the website of the Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS).

On this page we’d like to introduce you very briefly to the Society. We hope this overview will encourage you to delve further into the website to find out more about who we are, what we do and how the Society works.

So, first things first, what is the Irish Genealogical Research Society?

The Irish Genealogical Research Society is a learned Society established in 1936. The primary concern back then was to gather together copies of materials compiled before the 1922 Great Fire at the Public Record Office in Dublin.

The core of our unique reference Library was formed at this time, and the collection has been greatly expanded since. The Library is widely recognised as the world’s largest and most important collection of Irish genealogical material held in private hands. You can find out more about these printed and manuscript materials, and how to access them, on the Library pages. Or find out more about our History.

What is the Society’s purpose?

Since the early days, the aim of the Society has been to promote and encourage the study of Irish genealogy and to collect books and manuscripts of genealogical value. It achieves these aims in a number of ways, including:

  • Maintaining an active programme for the acquisition of manuscripts and printed works
  • Hosting at least three seminar/lecture events each year. See: Events
  • Publishing an annual journal — The Irish Genealogist — noted for its unique scholarly contribution to the field of Irish genealogical studies.
  • Publishing both a full colour monthly e-bulletin – IGRS bulletin – to assist the active research of members and a bi-annual newsletter that carries news about the Society and about major developments or campaigns in Irish genealogy.
  • Facilitating the sharing of knowledge and providing access to some of our archives through this website
  • Exhibiting and lecturing at major family history fairs
  • Being a constituent member of the Council of Irish Genealogical Organisations (CIGO)
  • Being a member of the Family History Federation (FHF)

This list of the Society’s activities is by no means exhaustive.

In keeping with the main aims of the Society, the IGRS occasionally elects individuals as Fellows (FIGRS). The award recognises a significant contribution to Irish genealogy or to the Society, and is an individual honour. Details of IGRS Fellows.

Who runs the IGRS?

The Society is run entirely by volunteers and has no paid or full-time staff. It is, therefore, unable to undertake research. The administration and direction of the Society is managed by a Council assisted by other volunteers. You’ll find more details on the Council page. You might also like to look at the Rules of the IGRS.

Where is the IGRS based?

The Irish Genealogical Research Society is registered as a UK charity (Registered Charity No. 235886) but its membership is truly global. While about half of all members are as scattered as the Irish Diaspora – mainly in the UK, Canada, USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand – the other half live in either the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland and form the Ireland Branch.

FHF LogoThe registered address of the IGRS is as follows:

The Irish Genealogical Research Society
18 Stratford Avenue
Rainham
Gillingham
Kent
ME8 0EP
UK

We hope you found this short introduction helpful. We invite you to further explore the website to find out more about the IGRS and its activities, to enjoy some of our free research resources, and to discover the many benefits of membership.

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